National Addiction Treatment CentersThe Short Answer
Naloxone is a life-saving medication that can reverse an opioid overdose by rapidly blocking the effects of opioids, according to the CDC and the FDA. Recognizing the signs of an overdose and having naloxone available can prevent a tragedy. In any emergency, you should call 911 immediately, and you can also call or text 988 for support if you or someone else is in a crisis related to substance use.
Your Safety Comes First
This guide is general information from official sources, not medical advice. Talk to a doctor or other licensed clinician before you start, stop or change any medication, and do not try to manage withdrawal on your own. If you or someone else is in danger or has overdosed, call 911 now.
For a mental health or substance use crisis, call or text 988 (the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline), any time.
Key Points
- Naloxone is a medication that can temporarily reverse the effects of an opioid overdose, as reported by the CDC.
- Signs of an opioid overdose include very small pupils, unconsciousness, slow or stopped breathing, and a blue or gray tint to the skin, per the CDC.
- Naloxone works only for opioids, not for other substances, and it has no potential for misuse, according to the FDA.
- You should always call 911 immediately if you suspect an overdose, even if you give naloxone, because its effects are temporary, the CDC warns.
- Laypeople and first responders can use naloxone safely, and it is available in many communities without a prescription, per the FDA.
- Talk to a doctor or licensed clinician about getting naloxone and learning how to use it, and discuss any medical conditions or concerns.
What Is Naloxone and How Does It Work?
The CDC describes naloxone as a medication designed to rapidly reverse an opioid overdose by attaching to opioid receptors and blocking the effects of opioids like heroin, fentanyl, or prescription pain relievers. The FDA notes that naloxone has no effect on non-opioid overdoses and cannot be misused to get high. It is often given as a nasal spray or injection, and it works within minutes.
However, its effects last only 30 to 90 minutes, so medical help is still essential. You should talk to a doctor or licensed clinician about carrying naloxone and understanding when and how to administer it.
Recognizing the Signs of an Opioid Overdose
According to the CDC, an opioid overdose can be identified by a cluster of symptoms known as the "opioid overdose triad": pinpoint pupils, unconsciousness or inability to wake the person, and respiratory depression (slow or stopped breathing). The person may also have blue or gray lips or fingernails, a limp body, choking sounds, or a gurgling noise. The CDC also warns that carfentanil and other synthetic opioids can cause overdose even in tiny amounts.
If you see these signs, call 911 right away. Knowing these signs can save a life—talk to a healthcare provider for more information.
What to Do If You Suspect an Overdose
The CDC instructs that if you think someone is overdosing, you should first call 911 immediately. Then, if you have naloxone, administer it according to the instructions. Try to keep the person awake and breathing, and turn them on their side to prevent choking.
Stay with them until emergency services arrive, because naloxone can wear off and the person may stop breathing again. The FDA emphasizes that naloxone is a temporary measure, not a substitute for professional medical care. You should contact your clinician to discuss how to obtain naloxone and practice using it before an emergency occurs.
Accessing Naloxone and Additional Support
The FDA reports that naloxone is now available over the counter in many pharmacies and through community distribution programs, without a prescription in most states. SAMHSA's FindTreatment.gov can also help you locate local programs that provide naloxone and overdose prevention education. Carrying naloxone is recommended for anyone who uses opioids or knows someone who does, as well as for family members.
If you or someone you know is struggling with opioid use, call or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, and talk to a doctor about treatment options, including medications for opioid use disorder.
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Sources
This guide summarises these official sources. Check them for the latest guidance.
- 5 Things to Know About Naloxone (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention): https://www.cdc.gov/overdose-prevention/reversing-overdose/about-naloxone.html
- Information about Medications for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD) (U.S. Food and Drug Administration): https://www.fda.gov/drugs/food-and-drug-administration-overdose-prevention-framework/information-about-medications-opioid-use-disorder-moud
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (SAMHSA): https://www.samhsa.gov/mental-health/988
- Preventing Opioid Overdose (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention): https://www.cdc.gov/overdose-prevention/prevention/index.html
- Fentanyl (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention): https://www.cdc.gov/overdose-prevention/about/fentanyl.html
- FindTreatment.gov (SAMHSA): https://findtreatment.gov/
Frequently Asked Questions
What is naloxone?
According to the CDC and the FDA, naloxone is a medication that can quickly reverse an opioid overdose by blocking the effects of opioids on the brain. It comes as a nasal spray or injection, has no potential for misuse, and does not work on non-opioid drugs. Naloxone is a temporary rescue measure—you must still call 911 and seek medical help. Talk to a doctor or licensed clinician about how to obtain and use naloxone.
What are the signs of an opioid overdose?
The CDC lists the key signs as very small (pinpoint) pupils, unconsciousness or inability to wake the person, slow or stopped breathing, and blue or gray skin, lips, or nails. Other signs include choking sounds, limp body, and pale or clammy skin. If you notice these signs, call 911 immediately. Recognizing these signs and having naloxone available can save a life. Talk to your healthcare provider for more detailed training.